NATO launches multinational 5G initiative for military applications

By Defence Industry Europe

The NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA) has launched the Multinational Collaboration on 5G (MN5G) project to explore the potential of 5G technologies for military applications. Italy, Spain, and Türkiye have initiated the project as founding members by signing a Memorandum of Understanding, demonstrating their commitment to advancing military capabilities with 5G.

 

The project officially began in October 2024 with the approval of an initial programme of work by its governance board. It aims to scale up research, development, and experimentation in the defence sector, leveraging synergies at both national and NATO levels.

MN5G will establish a military 5G community that promotes information sharing, aligns common requirements, and fosters innovation. By focusing on interoperability and critical 5G features, the project will enhance security architectures and ensure effective multinational implementation.

5G technologies are evolving rapidly, influencing global defence and security landscapes. Military organisations must not only adopt these advancements but also actively shape their evolution to meet defence requirements.

 

 

The MN5G initiative will concentrate on key areas such as awareness and influence, capability development, and security. Early efforts will include expanding the project’s scope, hosting a military 5G conference, and initiating technical work to address emerging challenges.

To ensure alignment with existing NATO initiatives, MN5G will collaborate with industry and academia. The project aims to contribute to 5G standardisation efforts, ensuring that future military requirements are incorporated into global 5G standards.

Security remains a primary focus, with MN5G addressing risks associated with 5G in multinational military operations. Insights gained from the project will inform future NATO and national capability development programmes, reducing potential vulnerabilities.

The initiative is open to other nations, with several countries already expressing interest in joining as observers. As the project progresses, it is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the military applications of 5G technology within NATO and beyond.

 

Source: NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA).

 

Tags:

Related news & articles

Latest news

Featured